matronly

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   In the capacity of a matron

   In the capacity of a matron; serving as a housekeeper or head nurse.

   • The door opened, but it was to admit a middle-aged matronly lady with good-humour and domestic capability proclaimed by every detail of her smiling face and easy manner.
2. 2

   Exuding the authority, wisdom, power, and intelligence of an experienced woman.

   • c. 1977, Janeane Garofalo, a skit the matronly upper arms girls know about life and love and losing
3. 3

   Having the appearance of a mature woman, often of larger physical stature and somewhat…

   Having the appearance of a mature woman, often of larger physical stature and somewhat unkempt or dowdy.

4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      In the manner of a matron.

      • The mother dressed matronly, in a bonnet and in black, always sat between her two big daughters, firm, directing, and repressed.
      • She was the same height and weight as Mother and had the same hairdo and dressed matronly like her. It was scary. She looked so much like Mother.
      • “I had to dress matronly to get the position. I've had trouble with that before. I have actually been turned away for a position as stewardess because I was too pretty.”

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